| |
| | Carmine
on Highway 290
TE photo, September 2004 |
History
in a Pecan Shell
Originally called Sylvan, the name was changed
to honor Newton Carmean, the first postmaster in 1892. Although it's spelled Carmine,
the pronouciation remains Car-mean. A Dr. B. J. Thigpen was promised the job of
railroad agent when the Texas and New Orleans Railroad built through the area.
He moved his family to Carmine on Christmas Day, 1885. Thigpen's job was to promote
the town and he did. In 1900 there were four stores, four saloons, two blacksmiths
shops, and a newspaper. |
| | St.
Matthew Missionary Church in Carmine Texas
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, April 2005 |
| |
The closed Jones Colony
Church
Photo courtesy Barclay
Gibson, April 2005 |
| In
1950 Carmine had a population of 650 which declined to 239 by the mid 80s to its
present estimate of 228. Carmine and Round
Top share their schools. Round Top
has the elementary school while Carmine maintains the high school. |
| | Carmine
Chamber of Commerce housed in the former depot
TE Photo, September 2004 |
The
railroad track was removed sometime in the early 80s and the chamber of commerce
operates from the former depot.
Carmine's bank has been robbed twice.
In the 1930s by Ray
Hamilton and Associates, members of the Barrow
gang, and in recent years by amateurs from Austin who were apprehended before
getting as far as Giddings.
|
Wisteria
in full bloom in Carmine
TE photo, March 3009 | |
|
